Member Details
Jurisdictions
Louisiana ,
United States
Exclusive Member
Criminal Law , White Collar Crime , Civil Law
Biography
A seasoned civil and criminal lawyer, Shaun Clarke tries cases, conducts internal investigations and handles arbitrations and appeals.
Shaun recently negotiated the dismissal of all charges against a client who was indicted in the “Varsity Blues” college admissions case. At the same time, he served as a key member of the trial team for a major pharmaceutical distributor in the opioids multi-district litigation.
Previously, he obtained “not guilty” verdicts on behalf of one client who was charged with insider trading and another who was the BP employee charged with causing the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Shaun has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in three areas: commercial litigation, white collar defense and general criminal defense. Described by Chambers USA as a “master in handling government investigations on behalf of a nationwide clientele,” he has also been named a “Litigation Star” by Benchmark Litigation and a Texas and Louisiana Super Lawyer.
Shaun honed his trial skills as a San Francisco Deputy City Attorney and as an Assistant United States Attorney in New Orleans. He has led defense teams in a broad range of civil and criminal cases and has represented clients ranging from Fortune 10 companies to individuals.
Shaun is admitted to the Louisiana and Texas Bars and regularly speaks before their members on issues related to trial tactics, corporate investigations, white-collar and environmental crime.
Firm Description
Phelps has the deepest bench of former U.S. Attorneys and Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the region. Justice Department experience informs our ability to protect and defend clients in an efficient and cost-effective manner. We understand the pressure agencies face and how to navigate the motivations involved in white collar and internal investigations. This allows us to map out next steps while keeping reputation and risk management in mind. Our seasoned defense counsel are strategically positioned throughout the Southeast to work closely with clients and agencies, preferring to quietly resolve sensitive situations with little or no public scrutiny. But we never shy away from aggressive advocacy in the courtroom if that is the best path forward.
In white collar matters, our work for clients begins long before a grand jury convenes. We conduct exhaustive internal investigations, use innovative technology to forensically review and analyze volumes of documents, and aggressively advocate with government investigators and prosecutors to close files without filing charges. Securing dismissals of investigations before indictment and out of the public spotlight are some of the best outcomes we’ve secured for clients.
Clients’ troubles do not end after white collar matters have been closed. Our litigators defend clients in proceedings stemming from investigations, including subpoenas, civil False Claims Act lawsuits and forfeiture actions, administrative proceedings, government audits, investigations by other governmental agencies, shareholder derivative lawsuits, and related state investigations.
Once we’ve managed an investigation, we can incorporate lessons learned into company policies and training programs to help avoid future issues. We also proactively develop and improve corporate compliance programs to prevent or minimize the chance of future investigations. We work closely with our colleagues in cybersecurity, employment, environmental and other areas to arrive at solutions that make pragmatic sense.